Contest-Winning Butter Pecan Ice Cream

1. 1

   In a small skillet, toast pecans in butter for 5-6 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.

2. 2

   In a heavy saucepan, heat half-and-half to 175u00b0; stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Whisk a small amount of hot cream mixture into the eggs; return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture reaches at least 160u00b0 and coats the back of a metal spoon.

3. 3

   Remove from the heat. Cool quickly by placing pan in a bowl of ice water; stir for 2 minutes. Stir in whipping cream and vanilla. Press plastic wrap onto the surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Stir in toasted pecans.

4. 4

   Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer; freeze according to the manufacturer's directions. Allow to ripen in ice cream freezer or firm up in the refrigerator freezer for 2-4 hours before serving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.